Ceres To Offer Seed For Energy Market

Ceres, Inc. will launch seed for plants specifically bioengineered for energy use before spring. The seed will be sold direct from the company.

The company has introduced two varieties each of switchgrass and high-biomass sorghum which will increase crop yield and boost the amount of cellulose to be converted into fuel. The seeds will be sold under the company’s newly-created Blade Energy crops label and will begin shipping as early as January, ahead of spring planting. One variety of switchgrass hybrid seed is geared toward southern climates, the other for northern states.

Anna Rath, vice president of commercial development, says that switchgrass and high-biomass sorghum can provide new options for growers, especially on underperforming acres. While she expects the bulk of Blade seed to be sold to bioenergy companies this first year, the company has set aside seed for growers interested in gaining experience with these crops as the market for biomass develops.

Brand representatives are now making farm visits and taking over-the-phone bookings. Ceres has also launched a Blade Energy Crops website, www.BladeEnergy.com, to support direct-to-farm sales.